Mars by Fritz Zorn

"Mars" is a poignant autobiographical account of a young man's life and his battle with terminal cancer. The narrative delves into the author's affluent yet emotionally barren upbringing in a Swiss suburb, which he refers to as "Mars," symbolizing its cold and alienating environment. The book is a critique of his repressive bourgeois society, which he believes contributed to his psychological and physical illness. Through introspective and often angry prose, the author explores themes of alienation, the search for identity, and the impact of societal norms on individual well-being. His struggle is not only against the disease but also against the cultural and familial constraints that stifled his emotional development.

The 3168th greatest book of all time

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Total Points: 126

Since this book was first published in 1977, there is a penalty of 4.8%. The age adjusted score is 119.95.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.